British blues rock sensation Joanne Shaw Taylor has announced the upcoming release of her highly anticipated 10th studio album, Black & Gold, that will be arriving on 6th June via Joe Bonamassa’s Journeyman Records.
Reuniting with noted producer Kevin Shirley (Iron Maiden, Journey, Joe Bonamassa), the album is said to showcase Taylor’s “bold creativity”, blending blues rock with influences from Americana, indie rock, and retro ‘80s pop. Black & Gold will offer “a captivating mix of heart-wrenching ballads and hard-hitting rock tracks that redefine the boundaries of blues music”, as indicated by recent single releases.
Her latest single, out now is ‘Grayer Shade Of Blue’ – Available on digital platforms here, check out the official music video at RAMzine below.
A trip down Memory Lane, ‘Grayer Shade Of Blue’ meanders with purpose as guitars glimmer alongside poignant piano refrains over a steady heartbeat rhythm, Taylor reflective in a song that tips its wide-brimmed hat to the 80s as popular music rode back towards being emotionally important for listeners and not yet too big for its boots by becoming over-produced.
“This story is a personal one to me. Since this is my 10th studio album and I’m going into a fresh decade’s worth of recording, I decided I wanted to use some of my writing on this album to put to bed something that has been bothering me,” said Taylor. “This song is about a close friendship I had for over a decade that ended suddenly. I’ve never known why. The person just stopped communicating with me, which understandably has made me very sad. This song was my attempt to give myself some closure on the situation as evidently, none will; be given to me otherwise. I love how it turned out and I’m very happy now to close that chapter in my life but still be able to cherish memories.”
Discussing her monthly new release strategy, she explained, “This approach allows me a bit more creative freedom compared to releasing a full album and then going quiet for months or even years. With music constantly coming out, I feel a bit less judged; if I want to write a bit more of a pop song, but you know weeks later, there might be a blues song.”
Black & Gold delves into the intricacies of human connection, resilience, and self-discovery, capturing the highs and lows of life with raw authenticity. The album balances deeply personal reflections with universal themes, exploring heartbreak, empowerment, and the bittersweet nature of change. Musically, it pushes the boundaries of blues-rock, blending Taylor’s soulful guitar work and powerhouse vocals with influences ranging from Americana to retro pop. With its rich emotional depth and dynamic soundscapes, Black & Gold is a compelling journey through the complexities of modern life, delivered with the fearless innovation that has become Joanne Shaw Taylor’s hallmark.
‘Grayer Shade Of Blue’ follows a string of acclaimed singles Taylor has released over the past year from the upcoming album, including ‘Who’s Gonna Love Me Now’, a deeply personal exploration of grief and healing, and ‘I Gotta Stop Letting You Let Me Down’, which channels the frustration and resolve of ending an on-again, off-again relationship dominated by unfulfilled promises. Earlier singles like ‘All The Things I Said’ and her celebrated cover of Sam Sparro’s ‘Black & Gold’ further highlight the album’s scope, ach track showcasing her ability to blend raw emotion with searing guitar work and masterful songwriting.
Taylor’s latest work has solidified her place as one of today’s most innovative voices in blues-rock. Praised by legends like Stevie Wonder and Annie Lennox, and bolstered by Kevin Shirley’s masterful production, word has it that Black & Gold is poised to be a career-defining release.
Tracks featured on Black & Gold are: ‘Hold Of My Heart’, ‘All The Things I Said’, ‘Black & Gold’, ‘Who’s Gonna Love Me Now?’, ‘I Gotta Stop Letting You Let Me Down’, ‘Summer Love’, ‘Grayer Shade Of Blue’, ‘Hell Of A Good Time’, ‘Look What I’ve Become’, ‘What Are You Gonna Do Now?’ and ‘Love Lives Here’.
